Revision in The Netherlands

I am more than ten years,out from my original surgery...and had great results up until the last year and a half. I wa**** with several surgeries, and lost my exercise mojo...and have put on about 30-35 pounds. I think I need a revision surgery (I had a gastric bypass), since I rarely feel any restriction anymore. Does anyone know of a surgeon in Maastricht who does revisions?

What are you eating? 

Too much, too much of the wrong things...I feel like I'm spiraling out of control, honestly.

So it sounds like the issue isn't one of your surgery, but your eating habits - and those come from your brain.  Are you able to see a therapist and/or a psychiatrist?  

Unless there is something physically wrong with your RNY, I'm not sure a surgeon would perform a revision due to a gain of 30-35 pounds.

I'm 8 years out from RNY. I don't feel much restriction, either, and can eat a ton if I let myself.

I don't know of any surgeons in the Netherlands but I do know several in Belgium, including my own who perform Revision surgery.

That said unless there is a mechanical or medical reason for the revision, which could be the case, you will most likely be referred to a WL clinic to see a Dr.of Nutrition to come up with an eating plan and exercise regimen first.  That is how my WL clinique in Brussesls handles things at least.

Best thing to do first IMO is track you food using Myfitness pal and then reduce calories, up protein and make sure you are drinking enough fluid.  Good luck.

THank you for the responses. I am having some digestive issues, and am spiraling out of control with earing as well. I feel like I need to have it properly investigated, althouh I am fully aware that my eating behaviors are contributing significantly. Really a tough time for me.

thanks for the encouragement--I so need it right now.

Revisions are usually done for structural problems or severe weight gain over time.  Also, weight gain is very common for any kind of surgery, especially ones that impact movement.  I'm getting a revision because my starting BMI was high, and because I am having severe atypical GERD/other issues.  As for restriction, not everyone does feel restriction consistently, and you should not rely on it, and instead rely on measuring portions.  I have made the mistake of relying in my own "eyeballing" until I feel "full," and I often eat way more than I should if when I briefly did this.

I think a weight gain of 30 pounds over ten years is actually not bad when compared to regain statistics.  In the scheme of things, regain is expected when we all were obese.  Surgery and other factors can guarantee such things.  If it occurred in a very brief period of time that's worth looking at more closely and being concerned about.  If you feel out of control, I would suggest seeing a counselor.  I went back into counseling myself for this reason, and there is no shame in it!  We all need help, sometimes :)

Hi Kim,

Before you go under the knife again try getting back to the basics.  Here is a list that worked for me.  Also, most surgeons won't do a revision based on what you are sharing.

Planning/Preparing

Remember when we were preparing for surgery?  How many meetings, classes and such did we attend?  We were told the more prepared we were the better our chances were for success.  And they were right. Go through the house, car and work place and get rid of trigger foods.  Stock up on foods that will keep you on track. I removed every bad carb/sugar temptation and replaced it with lots of protein, veggies, grains and fruits.

Journaling

Get back to journaling.  This will help you identify when you feel like eating, stress factors and any triggers in your life.  Once you identify these factors, this will help you put tools in place to keep you from eating.  It became clear I was not taking time for me anymore. I worked my day job and then spent the rest of my time caring for my husband.  It was easy to reach for fast, prepackaged food.  Since I purged my home I have to eat clean as there are no other options LOL

Use a tool to track you're eating and exercise like Getting Started with Health Tracker.  Once I started to track ever bite and drink it became clear why I had gained.

Goals/Rewards

Make a list of goals for yourself.  Make them realistic and small.  Some of mine were move more, purge all junk from my home, eat more protein.

Food

In general, a long term post-weight loss surgery eating plan includes foods that are high in protein, and low in fat?, calories, and sugar. Important, vitamins and minerals are provided as supplements. (if you had a different surgery adjust this to your food plan).

Water

Water is our Best Friend. I have to say I never went back to pop or any bad drinks, however I was drinking tea like crazy. What is wrong with drinking tea?  I was either using sugar or 3 equals and 3 sweet n lows per 32 ounce glass.  So I was either pushing to be diabetic or get cancer.  I found once I started carrying a bottle of water around 24/7 (yes had one at my bedside) I lost the cravings for the sugar and I KNOW those artificial sweeteners are not good for me. Look I am old and if you add up all the artificial sweeteners I have consumed I am sure I am at the rat in the lab getting cancer threshold.

MOVE!

I can't say enough about how key this was for me. The reason I kept my weight off for almost 10 years was no matter what, I kept moving.  If I could not go to the gym I would walk. I loved Zumba, bootcamp workouts, lifting weights. When I stopped, the weight started coming back.  So for me I am starting slow to avoid injury by walking and using some of the workouts on my Demand TV.  Find something you love to do and it won't feel like a pain in the *** to do daily.

Support

If it's an option "run" don't walk to a support group.

Keep me posted on how you are doing.